Ashy-tailed Swift

Chaetura andrei

Ashy-tailed Swift (Chaetura andrei) — Swifts of South America.

The Ashy-tailed Swift (Chaetura andrei) is a member of the Apodidae family found in South America. Adults weigh 17.1 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

VU Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Apodiformes
Family Apodidae Swifts
Genus Chaetura
Species andrei

Where it lives

Eastern Venezuela

South America

Quick facts

Weight: 17.1 g
Diet: Invertebrate-eaters
Family: Apodidae
Order: Apodiformes
Habitat: Woodland

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Vaux’s Swift

Chaetura vauxi

Least Concern

Costa Rican Swift

Chaetura fumosa

Least Concern

Lesser Antillean Swift

Chaetura martinica

Least Concern

Sao Tome Spinetail

Zoonavena thomensis

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Ashy-tailed Swift is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.

Behaviour

A bird of dense forest, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.

Migration

The Ashy-tailed Swift is migratory, making regular seasonal journeys between its breeding and non-breeding ranges.

The Ashy-tailed Swift (Chaetura andrei) is a member of the Apodidae family, within the order Apodiformes. Its range spans South America. Its distribution covers SA e Venezuela.

It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 17.1 g, with a wing length of about 11.1 cm and a tail of around 3.9 cm.

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Ashy-tailed Swift?

The Ashy-tailed Swift is a small bird that weighs around 17.1 g.

Where does the Ashy-tailed Swift live?

The Ashy-tailed Swift is found across South America with a range covering SA e Venezuela, where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.

What family does the Ashy-tailed Swift belong to?

The Ashy-tailed Swift (Chaetura andrei) belongs to the Apodidae family, in the order Apodiformes.

What does the Ashy-tailed Swift eat?

The Ashy-tailed Swift is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.

Does the Ashy-tailed Swift migrate?

The Ashy-tailed Swift is migratory, making regular seasonal journeys between its breeding and non-breeding ranges.

Is the Ashy-tailed Swift endangered?

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.